The real Glaswegian working class voice in the independence debate read by thousands, the BBC and other related media, secured the first criminal conviction against one of the seven top cybernats outed by the Daily Mail

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Nicola Sturgeon says SNP Government will put the ‘strongest possible case’ to save shipbuilding on the Clyde; they couldn’t save a ‘sausage’ factory in Broxburn!

Dear All

It seems that military shipbuilding has popped back on the
radar which rumours that Govan and Scotstoun may face closure.

At present things are tough, sadly expect that to continue
for the next decade unless a miracle happens.

Conservatively some say we are going to be in a hole for
another 6 years.

Cuts are happening all over, at present in Britain, we
have three shipyards known for military shipbuilding.

Govan; Scotstoun and the Portsmouth yard!

Whatever happens; Portsmouth
is going to be saved no matter what by Westminster;
strictly speaking it would be madness for that yard to close down.

At present it is assumed by many that all three yards will
continue to operate at least until after the independence vote.

It is clear that if Scotland
leaves the UK then so goes
military shipbuilding from Westminster,
a Scottish navy can’t support the order books of Govan and Scotsoun in the long
term.

With independence comes consequences, and it is highly
disingenuous everything will be rosy in the garden.

Westminster has made it
clear; they won’t place military shipbuilding orders in an independent Scotland, their
own people come first. Military procurement isn’t simply a matter of just
buying what you need; politics plays a huge part in it.

So, there appears to be a threat, but in reality, there is a
lot of talk but nothing to write home about just yet. The Scottish Government
last night called on politicians to put “political differences aside” and unite
“in the Scottish interest” to keep shipbuilding on the Clyde.

Closure plans announced by defence giant BAE Systems left
thousands of jobs in jeopardy at its two yards north of the Border but such
concerns change depending on the order book. Military shipbuilding is a
business, and BAE are still in it to make money.

Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish
Government will make the “strongest possible case” to save the yards.

As we recently seen; the Scottish Government couldn’t save a
‘sausage’ factory in their own backyard, so I don’t think that false hope helps
anyone!

Exactly how will Nicola Sturgeon ensure the survival of the
Govan and Scotstoun bases?

Is the Scottish Government going to start military shipbuilding?

For whom exactly will they build?

And of what types of military ships will they build?

Ms Sturgeon said:

“BAE Systems is a hugely important employer in Scotland and we
want to ensure that the strongest possible case for the retention of the
Scottish yards is made and acted upon. Scotland showed during the Strategic
Defence and Security Review an ability to put political differences aside and
unite in the Scottish interest, and I believe that the same constructive and
positive approach is needed now. The Scottish Government is monitoring this
situation closely and will work with BAE, the UK
government and opposition parties in Scotland.”

The reality is that any discussion will be solely between
BAE and Westminster,
the Scottish Government poking its nose in will be ineffective, and any
decision will be taken behind closed doors.

As Phillips O’Brien said last night, the smart money is
scaling down all three yards to an upturn happens.

I think he is right, no point in ‘rocking the boat’ just
yet, after the referendum, then the issue will be looked at again, I expect a
sound commitment from Westminster, there are certain niceties and mostly they
centre round the General election expected in 2015. Scottish Conservatives are
going for a revival strategy, well that’s how politics operates, moving the
pieces around, and Cameron needs Scottish seats, question is, are the
Conservatives smart enough to capitalise?

The Scottish Government tried to save Halls of Broxburn and
had to leave without a sausage, it is therefore highly doubtful that the
Scottish Government can save shipbuilding by itself and certainly not out of
their budget which is shrinking.

On this issue they are all at sea.

The Scottish yards have a strong economic case however, it
isn’t just about pounds and pence, politics play a major role. This is a debate
that will firmly remain at Westminster,
I don’’t see Phillip Hammond giving the SNP the time of day on this one or even
interested spectator status.